Patency capsule test (2129)
Key points below
What is a patency capsule test?
A patency capsule test is sometimes done before a capsule endoscopy. The test helps the provider know if the pill camera used for the capsule endoscopy can safely go through your child’s instestines. In a patency capsule test, a “practice pill” is used instead of the capsule endoscopy camera.
What is a capsule endoscopy?
A capsule endoscopy is a test that lets the provider look at the small intestine. A special pill camera is used to take pictures.
Why is a patency capsule test needed?
- Your provider is concerned there may be a blockage in the small intestine that could cause the pill camera to become stuck.
- A patency capsule test is done to make sure that the pill camera can pass.
How does the Patency capsule test work?
The patency capsule is about the size of a large vitamin. Your child may swallow the capsule at a clinic visit. If your child is not able to swallow the capsule, the provider may need to place the capsule into their small intestine during an endoscopy procedure.
- The patency capsule is the same size as the capsule endoscopy camera.
- The patency capsule will dissolve or melt away if it gets stuck in the intestines.
How do I prepare my child for the test?
The day before the test:
- Your child may eat a regular breakfast and lunch.
- After 2 pm, your child may have clear liquids only.
- Clear liquids include: Apple juice, Ginger Ale, Powdered Drink Mixes, Jell-O, or Popsicles without real fruit or dairy products.
- Reminder: No juices with pulp or dairy products.
- Medicines may be taken as normal the day before the test.
- Your child may not have anything to eat or drink after 9:30 pm.
- A few sips of water for medicine is ok.
The day of the test:
- Your child may not have anything to eat or drink.
- Do not give any medicines within 2 hours of your child’s visit.
What happens during the test?
Your child will swallow the patency capsule with a small cup of water. It is important to not chew the capsule.
Capsule endoscopy – Patient instructions
- A member of your health care team will help you and your child fill in the following instructions during your visit
- Your child swallowed a patency capsule or had one placed during a procedure at: _______
Eating or Drinking
In 2 hours, your child can drink clear liquids at: ___________
In 4 hours, your child may start a regular diet at: ___________
Medicines
In 2 hours, your child can take their medicines at: ___________unless the provider tells you something different.
Activity
Your child may start normal activity. Follow what the provider tells you if it is different.
X-rays
- Your child will need X-rays of their stomach. X-rays will show how the patency capsule is going through your child’s intestines.
- It is important that you get all the X-rays to get the test results.
- Your child will get an X-ray on the day they swallowed the capsule (day 1), the next day (day 2), and the day after (day 3).
The care team will tell you when and where your x-rays are scheduled.
- X-ray 1, Day 1: ___________________________ at __________________
- X-ray 2, Day 2: ___________________________ at __________________
Must be completed no later than: ___________ - X-ray 3, Day 3: ___________________________ at __________________
- If the capsule is still seen on the 3rd X-ray, more may be needed. Your provider will tell you when these need to be done.
- If the capsule is not seen on the 3rd X-ray, it means the capsule has passed. It will be safe to do a capsule endoscopy.
Important Note: Your child cannot have an MRI until the patency capsule has passed or dissolved.
What happens after the patency capsule?
The capsule will safely dissolve or melt away if it stays in their intestines. This starts 30 hours after it is swallowed. The capsule will be fully gone within 5 days. Your child may also poop out the capsule. It may be whole or partly dissolved. Your child will probably not know it happened. It does not need to be saved. It can safely be flushed down the toilet.
Contact Us
Monday through Friday 8am until 4pm: Call GI office nurse line (414-266-3690).
After 4pm or on weekends or holidays: Call hospital operator (414-266-2000) and ask for the GI Fellow on call.
Ask your doctor or nurse if your child has special health care needs not covered by this information.
Other teaching sheets that may be helpful:
Capsule Endoscopy: https://childrenswi.org/publications/teaching-sheet/gi/2108-capsule-endoscopy-study